Variety Lights Reviews

After years of writing (and a bit of acting) for other directors, Federico Fellini was finally given the opportunity to direct his own film (under the watchful eye of established veteran Alberto Lattuada). Even in this early effort the whimsical, odd world of Fellini comes dancing forth. The story follows a troupe of traveling entertainers who wander about the countryside trying to make a buck. Del Poggio plays a young local girl who falls in love with the band of traveling performers and runs away to join them on the road. After winning over the troupe and manager De Filippo with her vibrant dancing, Del Poggio soon becomes the star attraction. Eventually she becomes famous and soon she leaves De Filippo and the troupe to perform in high-class productions. Many of the standard Fellini elements are here, including a look at backstage intrigue and a fascination for the bizarre. Lattuada's wife Del Poggio plays the star; Fellini's wife Masina plays De Filippo's long-suffering mistress. Released in Italy in 1951.